Xevera: Modern Place for a Spanish Living

Just after the holy week break, PinoyExplorer goes north for a tight technical job schedule that needs to be accomplished this Thursday, March 27, 2007. This is in preparation for the Turn-over ceremony of Don Antonio Lee Chi Uan Integrated School to the Department of Education (DepEd). This project is in collaboration with Globe Asiatique, ABS-CBN Foundation and Vibal Foundation.

Sorry if I don't want to elaborate further about the project 'coz this is another side of the story. Instead, let me give emphasis about this village that I came across that is making waves in the realty development and low cost housing in Brgy. Calibutbut, Bacolor, Pampanga.


This is my first time to visit Bacolor though I already passed this area before when I travelled far north. Brgy. Calibutbut really sounds unfamiliar to me but I have seen something unique in this village that is worth sharing.

If you are looking for an old world elegance in a modern Filipino culture, in the heart of the ancient and historical towns of Pampanga, the architectural concept of the Xevera Townhouse in Bacolor is a reminiscent of the class and grace of Spain's exuberant lifestyle.

As I enter the subdivision proper the arch entrance alone is a reminiscent of an old culture. Development is still on going and what struck me most is the 20 foot Milan-inspired fountain that act as center piece of the Xevera Plaza. Within the circumferential area you can found the on-going development of commercial area and clubhouse. Then there's the soon to be inaugurated church, town hall and school. Before you reach the main entrance you can see the almost finished market with terminals for vehicles.


Found in historic Bacolor, Xevera is fast becoming a haven for anyone who dreamed of living in a high-class subdivision that is affordable for Class B and C and can be acquired through PAG-IBIG housing loan.

Everything you need is here and according to my source Ms. Darlene, Xevera (a spanish word which means owning a new house) boasts itself to be of high quality town house amenities such as clubhouse, commercial areas, town hall, and an Olympic-size pool. This place is a uniquely designed, Spanish inspired community, the subdivision provides a luxurious ambiance to modest income groups, like starting families, new couples and retirees who want intimacy and comfort in a two-storey, two bedroom love nest.

I'd met the man behind this project, the President and CEO Delfin Lee of Globe Asiatique when he had an ocular visit in the construction site.

Located in Calibutbut (Bacolor residents call it Calibu) Pampanga, Xevera will surely be the first grand landmark in a resurgent Bacolor after the devastation of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991.


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Lucban: Holy Week Destination for 2008

This lenten season, PinoyExplorer observed the holy week thru its simple mean and join the rest of the world commemorating the sacrifices, death and resurrection of the Lord. I have been to Visita Iglesia in the provinces of Quezon, Cavite and Batangas and joined the good friday procession in San Pablo, Laguna. With me are my in-laws, their relatives and family and together, we visit old and monumental churches in the south. But what strikes me most among the places I've visited this "Cuaresma" is the province of Lucban, Quezon. Here's why.

As we drive the Southern Tagalog region this holy week, I have witnessed the long stretch traffic when we reach barangay Tinamnan in Lucban. The heat of the sun is so intense that no one in our convoy wants to go out and try to find out the reason behind. Then I remember, it was two years ago when I accidentally seen this place during my coverage of Pahiyas fiesta, construction and improvement of the facility is underway then after two years here I am again to this newly found holy place and a Mecca in the making for all believers or non believers of the catholic faith. I am talking about the "Kamay ni Jesus" shrine and grotto.


Via Dolorosa Grotto, also known as Kamay ni Jesus is a religious shrine and grotto is located in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban, Quezon approximately 118 kilometers and 3.5 hours drive south of Manila.

Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) is now the newly found religious center in the Calabarzon and a regular venue for religious rites such as the yearly "Cenakulo", recitation of Seven Last Words, veneration of the cross and private devotions. When you are on the highway coming from the town proper of Lucban, you can see the 50-foot image of the arms stretch Risen Christ on top of the hill. It has a life-sized scultures of the 14 stations of the cross. As one goes up the hill, you can see waterfalls and it is really refreshing to the eyes. It has 292 steps on the left ascent and 278 steps on the right ascent and build on a concrete stairs.

So, if you want to recite the way of the cross this holy week and years to come, this is a perfect place. Before you reach the final station, one needs to struggle and exert a lot of effort along the way. This is really a way of the cross and a way of sufferings.

Along the three hectares complex you can also find the Angel's Hill, a venue for other religious functions. Facing it is the "Kamay ni Jesu"s shrine where Fr. Joey Faller performs his healing prayers. A sanctuary of Marian images can also be found in a nearby "Luklukan ni Maria" where it has an infirmary and hostel that can be accommodate more than a hundred devotees.

The grounds leading to the summit is called "Footprints at the Park". It is a reserve one-square meter spot for each donor as a record of their generosity for the improvement and development of the shrine.




Let's talk a bit of history

Fr. Joey Faller, the widely known healing priest had envisioned this place after he recovered from his 1994 car accident which had permanently damaged the ulnar nerve of his two fingers in his right hands.

In search of ways and means to realize this visions, Fr. Faller had met and healed Benito Brizuela, who suffered from stroke and became a half-body paralyzed Filipino-Chinese businessman. After his healing, Brizuela told Faller that he had a dream about the Lord telling him to help him to build the grotto.

On December 8, 2003 the construction of the shrine and grotto started and Brizuela
is among the first benefactors that led to fulfill Fr. Faller's vision. It was completed in the
following year and continuing development went on as more donors approach him to continue the project.

Today, Kamay ni Jesus became the religious itinerary in Southern Tagalog. I can estimates that it can draw more than 10,000 pilgrimage each week so roughly a 100,000 visitors is expected to peak this season.

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* Time to Reflect

Squatters on Fire

PinoyExplorer witnessed another terrifying fire in Talayan, Quezon City and its victims — same old stories we heard from the news and its eyewitnesses. In the metropolis, squatters are always the once being blamed and they are literally on fire every time this untoward incident happens. Because of their dilapidated shanties and uncontrolled behavior they are the most known conductor of fire. Much more, due to the limited entry and exit points in the area, firefighters find it hard to reach its epicenter.

Obviously, this month is a Fire prevention awareness and sad to say that what the government can provide are only flyer's and posters of Tips on Fire Preventions. They are helpless to address this common problem we face each year. The root of this issue is not yet resolved and how many Juan's will loose their homes each year.

Anyway, this is my second time to see firefighters bravery in action. Actually, they accidentally becomes my subject when I won a photo contest two years ago. When you are on the scene, you can feel not only the heat brought by fire and the adrenalin of the fast pace of the scene but the warmth and tears on your heart witnessing those actual human drama that you can see on movies and telenovelas. Yes, its true and my lens are its witness.